High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health issue that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Many people try to control it with a mix of healthy habits and medication.
But a new study from Harvard University reveals a surprising problem: nearly one in five adults with high blood pressure are taking other medications that could be making their condition worse—without even knowing it.
These other medications are often prescribed for problems like depression, chronic pain, colds, or even weight loss. While they may help treat those conditions, they can also raise blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
The study found that people who took these additional drugs had more trouble keeping their blood pressure at healthy levels. In some cases, doctors had to increase their blood pressure medicine just to balance the effects of the other drugs.
This means that someone treating a cold or managing depression could unknowingly be making their high blood pressure harder to control. It’s an issue that highlights the importance of knowing how all your medications interact with one another.
One of the most important things you can do is talk openly with your healthcare providers. Let every doctor you see know about all the medications you’re taking, even if they were prescribed by another doctor. This helps your care team make better decisions and avoid medication conflicts that could harm your health.
In addition to managing medications, there are many things you can do in daily life to help control blood pressure. Eating a low-salt diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make a big difference. Getting regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, and managing stress are also very helpful.
This study, led by Dr. Timothy Anderson, shows just how important it is to stay informed and be proactive. Managing high blood pressure isn’t just about taking one pill—it’s about looking at the full picture of your health. By sharing information with your doctors and making healthy choices, you can take control and protect your heart.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that changing blood pressure readings is a hidden sign of heart disease and switching blood pressure drugs may treat the condition better.
For more health information, please read studies about the arm squeeze test: could your blood pressure reading be wrong and bedtime medication more effective for high blood pressure.
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